Keep up-to-date with the latest rumors and signings

The Milwaukee Bucks enter this free agency period with only a few options, thanks to the restrictions of the “second apron,” which was created in the latest collective bargaining agreement.

In short, the second apron restricts high-payroll teams from just spending money to fill out their rosters. The Bucks are operating like a second apron team, which means they:

Can’t sign any free agents for more than the league minimum

Can’t take on any more salary in a trade than what is going out (dollar-for-dollar)

Can’t trade multiple players for one

More: What to know about the Milwaukee Bucks players’ contracts, salary cap

Free agency technically began the day after the NBA Finals ended, as teams have been allowed to negotiate with their own free agents. Teams can negotiate with all players beginning at 5 p.m. CT June 30.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Beverley (21) reacts after scoring during the first half of their first round playoff game against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Who are the Bucks’ free agents?

Can the Bucks extend players’ contracts?

Yes. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are extension-eligible.

Portis can receive a maximum contract from the Bucks of $78.9 million over the next four years. The Journal Sentinel has learned that, while Portis is interested in an extension, there has been no movement on that front from the organization.

More: Milwaukee has changed adopted son Bobby Portis’ life. The Bucks fan favorite hopes it can do the same for his brothers.

Is Brook Lopez on the trade block?

Yahoo! Sports reported that center Brook Lopez could be on the trade market. Lopez is entering the final year of a two-year contract signed last summer and is making $23 million.

The Journal Sentinel learned that, should the team move on from Lopez, finding a high-level rim protector would be important to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo defensively. The biggest change would be on the offensive end, as the Bucks could be looking for a strong screener and rim-runner, as opposed to a floor-spacing shooter.

Is Malik Beasley done with Bucks?

Per Bleacher Report, guard Malik Beasley appears to be headed elsewhere and will not re-sign with the Bucks. Milwaukee could only offer him a 120% raise over his veteran minimum. Before the season, Beasley told the Journal Sentinel he was hoping to play well with the Bucks and earn another lucrative long-term contract. Beasley started a career-high 77 games and shot 41.9% from behind the three-point line.

The Athletic reported Houston, Golden State and Orlando have interest in Beasley.

Can Thanasis Antetokounmpo return?

Forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo injured an Achilles tendon during a workout after the season, but he was still under contract with the Bucks at the time. League sources told the Journal Sentinel that Antetokounmpo can continue to rehabilitate his injury at the Bucks’ practice facility — a courtesy that would be extended to any player on any team under similar circumstances. But as a free agent, he wouldn’t be allowed on the bench or team flights.

However, he could travel on the team plane to away games and be in the locker room as the family member of a player.

Is Danilo Gallinari retiring?

Forward Danilo Gallinari, who’ll turn 36 on Aug. 8, told the Journal Sentinel after the season he doesn’t intend to retire. He said he’ll explore all of his options in free agency.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Bucks 2024 free agent tracker: Latest rumors and signings

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Publish date : 2024-06-25 22:54:35

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